CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout of NbFLS2 Using Tobacco Rattle Virus in Nicotiana Benthamiana
CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout of NbFLS2 Using Tobacco Rattle Virus in Nicotiana Benthamiana
About Me
Hello, my name is Lindsay Monkam, and I am a senior Biology major on the pre-med track from Yaoundé, Cameroon. At Macalester, I have conducted research in the Cao Lab, focusing on organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms. I have also gained additional lab experience using CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out a gene to study plant immunity and cellular signaling pathways which inspired my capstone project. I have taken courses such as Introduction to Public Health, which broadened my understanding of how biological processes intersect with health systems and global health disparities. These experiences have deepened my interest in understanding disease at both the molecular and population levels. Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling and learning about new cultures. After graduation, I plan to pursue medical school.
Abstract
Plants rely on innate immune receptors to detect conserved microbial signatures and trigger defense responses. The FLAGELLIN-SENSING 2 (FLS2) receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana is well established as a key pattern-recognition receptor for the bacterial peptide flg22, but the role of its homolog NbFLS2 in Nicotiana benthamiana remains less defined. In this preliminary study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 delivered by tobacco rattle virus (TRV) to target NbFLS2. Two single guide RNAs were designed in silico and assembled into vectors via GoldenGate cloning, with AmCyan included as a fluorescent marker. PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis confirmed successful generation of sgRNA fragments. Constructs were propagated in E. coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, then infiltrated into N. benthamiana leaves. Fluorescence microscopy revealed an AmCyan signal in infiltrated tissue, confirming successful delivery and expression of the constructs. While functional assays of immunity were not performed, these results establish proof of process for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated delivery in N. benthamiana. This work provides a foundation for future studies to validate NbFLS2 knockout and assess its role in flg22-triggered immunity.